Decontamination system and decontamination unit housing equipped with remote control

Abstract

Provided is a decontamination apparatus and method involving a base, and a plurality of sources that each emit UVC light to render a target object pathogen reduced. A plurality of adjustable supports couple the sources to the base, and a controller is coupled to the base to be operatively connected to the sources to control emission of the UVC light. A housing is removably installed on the base to protect the plurality of sources. A remote control is provided to the housing and includes a user interface that receives a input from a user and transmits a control instruction to the controller based on the input received, resulting in desired operation of the sources by the controller.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]1. Field of the Invention[0002]This application relates generally to a method and apparatus for decontaminating an enclosed space and, more specifically, to a remote-controllable decontamination apparatus and a method of remotely controlling a decontamination apparatus to avoid exposing a person with a decontaminating agent.[0003]2. Description of Related Art[0004]Conventional decontamination devices include an ultraviolet light source that broadcasts ultraviolet light towards all exposed surfaces in a room to be decontaminated. Such an apparatus is positioned at a desired location within the room and an “on” button is pushed to turn the ultraviolet light source on. A delay circuit can be provided to the decontamination device to provide the operator sufficient time to exit the room after pushing the on button to avoid exposing the operator to the ultraviolet light emitted.[0005]As an extra precaution, a sign can be placed in front of the door leadin...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

This patent is about a method for decontaminating a room and minimizing UVC light exposure to the room occupant. It involves supporting multiple UVC light sources at a distance from the target object to partially decontaminate it with the UVC light. A communication channel is established between a controller and the sources to control the emission of UVC light. The method allows for remote control of the UVC light sources using a remote control installed on the base to protect the sources. The sources can be activated based on control instructions received from a user interface on the remote control.

Problems solved by technology

But utilizing all of these precautionary measures requires a remote control, a warning sign, etc. to be transported as separate items from location to location to decontaminate different rooms, which is inconvenient to the operator.

Further, it is likely that one or more of such objects will be lost as the decontamination device is repeatedly transported and deployed.

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